Bonnie and Steve have been involved in youth ministry for over 30 years, 20 of which have been full-time. Their focus has been in training and mentoring international and urban short-term mission teams to do cross-cultural outreach. Priority 1 Ministries was started with one goal in mind: to train and equip youth through adults with the knowledge and tools to reach their world for Jesus Christ. That is their Priority 1!

Erin Burkholder, Administrative Assistant

Erin grew up in Morrison, Illinois and has years of experience in short-term missions both as a team member and a team leader. Erin previously taught music in public school and has a real heart to see children come to the Lord. Erin served with Priority 1 as Children’s Ministries Coordinator for several years but with the birth of her twin sons, Caleb and Jacob, she has changed her job description so she can work from home as Administrative Assistant. She will also handle (along with her husband, Matt) specific projects, such as grant writing and accounting.

Amber Howell, Children's Ministry Coordinator

Amber grew up in Sharon, Pennsylvania and earned her degree in Social Work from Edinboro University. She has worked in child care for 4 years, is an extremely creative person, and has a deep love for the Lord and for children. Amber trains summer interns, directs Urban Outreach Bible clubs, and assists in numerous ways with Urban Encounter teams. In 2015 she also became the Director of the After-School Program at Manhattan Christian Academy.

Greg and Bethany Glidden, Assistant Directors

Greg and Bethany serve as Priority 1’s Assistant Directors. Before joining the P1 team, they taught English in China for three years, earned their Master’s Degrees in Missions and Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College, and taught in public school. In July 2014, they moved from central PA to the Bronx so they could work with Priority 1 full-time. Greg enjoys playing his guitar and following the Pirates and Penguins. Bethany enjoys cooking and playing games (Settlers of Catan, anyone?). The greatest pleasure they share is in loving and nurturing their three daughters: Ginny, Cora, and Juliet. Greg, Bethany, and their girls also love training teens in missions, whether speaking to youth groups or guiding groups around New York City. Email them if you’re interested in missions or you’d like to comment on how cute their girls are. Either way, they would love to hear from you.